On the back of an excellent form, Portugal travel to Croatia to conclude the group stage of Nations League A. The fixture will take place at Pojlud Stadium on Monday, 18 November. The Selecao are already confirmed to feature in the knock-out stage but Croatia’s qualification hopes rest on Monday, where a single point will guarantee their progress.
Croatia vs Portugal: Match Preview
Last season’s runner ups have not been impressive this campaign, winning two of the five rounds so far. Since the first matchday’s defeat to Portugal, Blazers bounced back with consecutive victories, followed by an exciting 3-3 away draw against Poland. However, Croatia endured a frustrating defeat to Scotland in the last game by 0-1, delaying their hopes of reaching the next round. Nevertheless, even if Poland secures a win against Scotland in the final round, a draw against Portugal will be sufficient for the home side to clinch promotion.
On the other hand, Portugal have been impressive this season with four victories and a draw in five rounds. With 13 points out of 15, the Selecao are already through the quarter-finals and set to conclude the group stage as table-toppers. Portugal hammered Poland in the last game by 5-1, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s bicycle goal and a penanka penalty. Their prolific attack has played a crucial role in delivering remarkable results, notching 12 goals in five games in Nations League.
Croatia vs Portugal: Head-to-Head Record
In the last five H2Hs between Croatia and Portugal, the Selecao have come out to be winner three times while Croatia won once. However, the previous three consecutive meetings at Nations League have ended in favor of Portugal. The visiting side also draws the plenty of confidence from the overall H2H record, winning seven of the nine encounters while ending one in draw.
| Date | Match | Competition |
| 05/09/24 | Portugal 2-1 Croatia | UEFA Nations League |
| 08/06/24 | Portugal 1-2 Croatia | Friendly International |
| 18/11/20 | Croatia 2-3 Portugal | UEFA Nations League |
| 05/09/20 | Portugal 4-1 Croatia | UEFA Nations League |
| 06/09/18 | Portugal 1-1 Croatia | Friendly International |
Croatia vs Portugal: Team News and Predicted Lineups
We can witness many changes in Portugal’s squad with some names as Ronaldo and Silva returning to their clubs. Fernandes is suspended for the fixture against Croatia and is expected to be with Manchester United before time. Croatia’s Peter Sucic will also be out on Monday through suspension while Kristijan Jakic will be sidelined due to an injury.
Croatia Predicted Lineup
Livakovic (GK); Pongracic, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; L. Sucic, Pasalic, Perisic; Kramaric
Portugal Predicted Lineup
R. Silva (GK); Cancelo, Djalo, Araujo, Tavares; Vitinha, Neves; Conceicao, Felix, Trincao; F. Silva
Croatia vs Portugal: Match Prediction
Although there might be some changes in Portugal’s lineup, the confidence will still be high over the recent consistent form. Croatia have allowed five goals to be scored in the last three matches without a clean sheet. On the flip side, Portugal have not conceded more than one goal in any of the previous five matches, keeping one clean sheet. Following the strong shape in the campaign, we expect the Selecao to retain their form and take three points on Monday.
Croatia vs Portugal Match Prediction: 1-3 victory for Portugal
